We need S.W. Fla. veterans to keep strong & stand tall

September 27, 2013

I am very glad that letter writer Ken Taylor made us aware of Operation Open Arms. I will be happy to support the organization. I am a veteran and support veteran activities. I am proud to have served. I also thank my country for the GI Bill. Without it I probably would have had a much more difficult time obtaining my education. I understand these are special times. Veterans are having more complicated lives and difficult injuries to deal with. However, having said this, America is having to withstand the most difficult time it has had in over 50 years. We must rethink where we need to spend our energy. We must rethink the image we, as vets send to the rest of America and to the world.

I have supported health care for all. In fact, I ran for election to the Lee Memorial Health Systems Board on a platform of quality, affordable health care for all. Although I did not win the election I have not abandoned this effort. I support local food pantries and other community programs, i.e. Quality Life Center.

I am disturbed that millions of Americans do not have health insurance which gives them access to quality, life-giving health care. I am disturbed that millions of Americans go to bed hungry every night and can't find employment. These problems are especially prevalent in Southwest Florida.

I am disturbed that we watched pictures of thousands of innocent civilians being killed by their government and didn't have the courage to stand against this. Not just in Syria, but in other areas of the world. These are certainly not the images of a country and government I served to protect. For us to remain silent is to condone. We must let the American people know where we stand, not just for self gain, but let our actions reflect our patriotism.